Version Control Tutorial

Introduction

Version control is a system that records changes to a file or set of files over time so that you can recall specific versions later. This tutorial will guide you through the essential concepts and commands for using version control systems, with a focus on Git.

Why Use Version Control?

Using version control provides several benefits:

• Track changes and history
• Collaborate with others
• Revert to previous versions
• Backup your work

Setting Up Git

To get started with Git, you need to install it on your computer. You can download Git from the official website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

Basic Git Commands

Here are some basic Git commands to get you started:

Initializing a Repository

To create a new Git repository, navigate to your project directory and run:

Cloning a Repository

If you want to clone an existing repository, use:

Checking the Status

To see the status of your working directory and staging area, run:

Adding Changes

To add changes to the staging area, use:

Committing Changes

To commit the staged changes, use:

Pushing Changes

To push your changes to a remote repository, use:

Branching and Merging

Branches are an essential part of working with Git. They allow you to work on different parts of a project simultaneously.

Creating a Branch

To create a new branch, use:

Switching Branches

To switch to a different branch, use:

Merging Branches

To merge changes from one branch into another, first switch to the target branch and then run:

Handling Conflicts

Sometimes, merging branches can lead to conflicts that need to be resolved manually. Git will mark the files with conflicts, and you can edit them to resolve the issues.

After resolving the conflicts, you need to add the resolved files to the staging area and commit the changes:

Conclusion

Version control is a crucial tool for managing changes and collaborating on projects. This tutorial covered the basics of using Git, including setting up a repository, committing changes, and handling branches. With these skills, you'll be well-equipped to manage your C language projects effectively.